Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Coating: The combination of Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile: Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and pairs well with various dipping sauces.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Prepare Mayo Mixture: In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Allow the tenders to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy version.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the cracker mixture for added flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheesy taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
How do I ensure the coating sticks to the chicken?
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before coating. The mayonnaise mixture acts as a binder, helping the cracker coating adhere properly.
Can I prepare these tenders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the tenders up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
These tenders pair well with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. With their crispy exterior and juicy interior, they're perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a meal that's both simple and delicious.
Crack Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders offer a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a buttery, crispy crust infused with Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers, they bake to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these tenders make a great appetizer, snack, or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Prepare Mayo Mixture: In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Allow the tenders to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the cracker mixture for extra flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to replace Parmesan with cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
